Patricia Feighan

Patricia “Tricia” Feighan is an experienced patent attorney with a multidisciplinary background in intellectual property, technology, and civil litigation. Prior to joining Harrity & Harrity, Tricia practiced in IBM’s intellectual property law department, where she prepared and prosecuted patent applications involving software technologies. She also served as a Lead Patent Attorney overseeing a team of patent attorneys and patent agents. Later, she served as Counsel and Manager of a department of patent attorneys and patent agents responsible for patent preparation and prosecution across a broad range of technology areas. Her patent experience includes software, networking, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, cybersecurity, analytics, and other computer-implemented technologies.

Tricia’s experience also includes serving as Coordinator of IBM IP Law’s Virtual Law Firm Program, being a member of IBM’s Trade Secret Board, participating on IBM’s United States Patent Procedures Team (USPP), reviewing NDAs and confidential information agreements, and assisting IBM’s Cyber Legal Team with cybersecurity-related legal matters. She also developed AI-assisted agents—one for trade secret versus patent filing determination, and another for USPP compliance.

Before focusing on intellectual property, Tricia practiced civil litigation as an Associate Attorney at a New York law firm, with an emphasis on personal and commercial insurance defense. In that role, she handled matters from inception to trial, including pleadings, discovery, depositions, motion practice, court appearances and conferences, settlement negotiations, and appellate work.

Earlier in her career, Tricia held several technology-focused roles at IBM, providing technical and systems support, software development, technical education, and end-user training. Her combined background in law and technology enables her to counsel effectively on complex intellectual property, innovation, and technology-related matters.

Tricia received her J.D. from Pace University School of Law and her B.S., cum laude, in Computer Science from Pace University. She is admitted to practice in New York and before the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, and she is registered to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

An advocate for mentorship in the IP community, Tricia has mentored future practitioners through IBM’s IP Law initiative and also has supported law students at the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University.